SKOPE NEWS FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2018 @ NOON PM EST

Nashville guitarist Guthrie Trapp taps Vince Gill and others on new album

Nashville-based touring guitar player and in-demand studio cat Guthrie Trapp will roll-out Life After Dark, his star-studded second album, on March 9, 2018.

Trapp brought together heavy-hitters from blues (Jimmy Hall), soul (McCrary Sisters), jazz (Jeff Coffin), and bluegrass (Sam Bush), along with some country-music royalty (Vince Gill, Paul Franklin) to perform on his high-energy new record, Life After Dark.

“I’m super fortunate to be able to make music with people of this caliber and even more grateful to call them my friends. I know it will always be a fun hang as well as great music,” Trapp says. “That energy translates directly to the music. If you put on ‘Mojo Workin’ while in the car, you’re probably going to start driving faster.”

This Patch Of Sky Release The Echelon Effect Remix of “Pale Lights”

Cinematic Post-Rock band, This Patch Of Sky, premiered the The Echelon Effect remix of “Pale Lights” today via New Noise Magazine. The remix marries two of the most highly-regarded acts in the world of atmospheric, instrumental music to create a sweeping composition of uplifting post-rock that invigorates and inspires the listener. It will be featured this Spring on a limited-run 7” vinyl, issued by Graphic Nature / Equal Vision Records, alongside the This Will Destroy You reimagination of “Pale Lights”, which was included on the band’s latest full length, These Small Spaces, last fall. The release also comes a few days ahead of a west coast headlining run for This Patch of Sky – starting in Redding, California and stopping in their hometown of Eugene, Oregon and Portland before closing out in Seattle at The High Dive.

KUTCH SPEAK TO ALL THINGS “COLLECTABLE”

Thunder Bay/Toronto-based duo Kutch have released their debut single, “Collectable” in advance of their upcoming release, Notionside — available March 2, 2018.

Colin Kutchyera and La+ch (Coleman Hell/Sideways Collective) look under the rock that is “Collectable” to get a closer look at the idea of the “perfect” relationship.

“You know those relationships that make other people say, ‘wow, I want that’?” says Kutchyera. “Those. That’s what we’re pointing to.

British Singer/Songwriter/Producer SHAKKA Introduces “Man Down ft AlunaGeorge”

British singer/songwriter/producer, Shakka, has released a new track called “Man Down” featuring amazing vocals from AlunaGeorge. ‘Man Down’ draws inspiration from Craig David and Usher while blending a defiantly British take on R&B with a towering crossover pop hook. AlunaGeorge beautifully complements Shakka’s powerful delivery with feminine vocal harmonies.

Divide and Dissolve share bone-crushing ‘Abomination’ LP

Melbourne heavy two-piece band Divide and Dissolve are proud to announce their forthcoming second album Abomination, which will be out February 16 via Dero Arcade. Today the band share the hypnotic and polarizing ‘Abomination’ LP in full with Paper Magazine. Paper Magazine calls the album “bone-crushing”.

THE FAIM PREMIERE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ‘SAINTS OF THE SINNERS’ WITH ALTERNATIVE PRESS

“‘Saints Of The Sinners’ is about making your mark in the world, and not letting anyone stand in the way of where you want to be. It brings out the youth-fuelled rebellion of the voice in all of us that wants to be heard,” says Stephen Beerkens, who plays bass and keyboard in the band.

REALMS OF VISION Debuts “Deception Mask” Single At Metal Injection

California-based REALMS OF VISION, the groove-drenched psychedelic rock outfit featuring members of Animosity, Set Your Goals, and more, has issued the first single from their impending second album, Through All Unknown. “Deception Mask” sees its debut through a premiere at Metal Injection as Creator-Destructor Records releases preorders for the album.

KIKO BUN RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE ‘STAY BLESS’ AND VISUAL

Continuing to build on the name he has credibly built for himself with his modern day roots and soul sounds that have garnered co-signs from some of reggae’s biggest authorities such as David Rodigan and Sean Paul, Kiko Bun the north-west London based singer-songwriter, producer, vocalist and classically trained multi-instrumentalist has released his new single ‘Stay Bless’ and its must-see visual (out now on Island Records).

Kiko Bun doesn’t give a monkey’s in the cheery new video for Stay Bless

Avicii Co-Wrote Rockin’ Love Song ‘GHOST’ With HUMAN

“The first time I would meet Tim Bergling, he was damn late. After 2hours, a guy with jeans and white T-shirt came in, who also waited for Tim in the studio next door. He was nice. Before he left, he said he loved “Gabben in Lauwdan”. Later it appeared that the jeansman was named Chris Martin and was a member of Chainsmokers. And Coldplay. That was nice. But not as good as the song I and Avicii wrote when he appeared 5h later.” Says Daniel Adams-Ray.

YOUNG RJ – “I KNOW”

In 2017 Slum Village member Young RJ released his solo debut, Blaq Royalty. He now returns with a new single, the introspective “I Know,” with Phat Kat and Guilty Simpson.

“‘I Know’ discusses the issues arising from Black Men being products of their environment,” RJ says. “Due to the intricate economic systems put in place, Black men have been set up to fail from the womb (or beginning). Many feel this is a controversial topic, with a lot of truth behind it.”

Lil’ Keke & The Suffers “Southside 2K Live”

Lil’ Keke and The Suffers were first introduced at a Houston music festival. The Suffers were basically the House Band for the super-group called “Welcome To Texas”. The group included Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Bun B and Lil’ Keke all performing their hit songs with live band The Suffers. Keke really enjoyed his performance with The Suffers, so when the opportunity came up last year to go into the studio and record with the band he didn’t hesitate.

Maxwell Cabana’s new track “Welcome 2 (The Beginning of the Rest of Your Night)

The act Maxwell Cabana was born in a hazy ’02 Corolla, in the parking lot of a fried chicken joint up in Seattle. It was there that his journey began, and with a basket of chicken and a mix CD of classic Soul tunes, he got to work. Nowadays, his psychedelic R&B quartet includes Seattle native Murray McCulloch on guitar and vocals, Portland’s own Noah Puggarana on keys, and Chicago-born brothers Sean and Jamie Higgins on bass and drums, respectively.

Rita Coolidge Returns with ‘Safe in the Arms of Time’ – Out May 4th

One of music’s most enduring voices and composers, Rita Coolidge will release her dramatic and poignant new solo album, Safe in the Arms of Time, on May 4th on Blue Élan Records. The album marks the two-time Grammy winner’s return to songwriting, and as she did in her acclaimed 2015 memoir, Delta Lady, she drew inspiration for her new material from her personal journey.

“I’ve written so many songs assuming a role like an actor, but this time I got to write from experience,” says Coolidge, who co-wrote three of the album’s 12 wondrous cuts. “This is the best record I’ve ever done. I’m extremely proud of it.”

Abbey Baker – ‘Tell Me How’ Single & Video

Emerging Sydney songstress, Abbey Baker, is set to confidently stun audiences with her endearing indie-pop records.

Poised by a passion and skill for songwriting, Abbey’s artistry is propelled by honest and clever lyricism, and her ability to seamlessly transcend genres of soul, indie-pop, funk and jazz. Abbey’s sound is a gorgeous cocktail of heartfelt vocals and delicate piano driven melodies, perfectly complemented by angelic layers of harmonies, soft pop rhythms, and subtle synth productions.

Black Mamba – Never Obey (Official Music Video)

“Never Obey” is the second video of the Italian Female fronted rock trio, Black Mamba, taken from “Heritage”, the very first album of the band out on December the 14th, 2017.

This song is about our relationship with the society that has been, bad, sick and evil for too long. The main character becomes aware of everything that is happening and tries to save, as in a Shakespearian novel, her beloved at the end.

SABER TIGER Release New Single ‘Devastation Trail’

Devastation Trail is Saber Tiger’s latest single and video taken from their forthcoming album Bystander Effect [Expanded Edition], which will be released via Sliptrick Records on March 13th, 2018.

Through some of their heaviest and most aggressive riff work, the track tells the story of internet trolls who target their messages of jealousy and hatred towards entertainers and other talented people. A suject that is as relevant worldwide as it is in the band’s native of Japan. No sympathy nor subtlety is shown towards the cowardly behavior of internet trolling.

Rina Sawayama Shares ‘Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be)’

Future pop icon Rina Sawayama today shares new track ‘Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be)’ out today via 88Rising. The single is now available to buy and stream on all partners.

The latest cut from Rina and producer Clarence Clarity, ‘Valentine’ is high-energy, sugar-sweet recall to Rina’s 90’s pop heroes. On the inspiration behind the single, Rina describes ‘Valentine’ as “an anti-Valentine song for those who want a little no strings attached action on a day that perpetuates the boring age old narrative of heterosexual monogamy”. The track is the first taste of new music from Sawayama since the release of her critically-acclaimed debut mini-album ‘RINA’ in October. Dubbed an “R&B-fuelled peek into the pop future” (Guardian), the 8-track release took inspiration from racing simulator soundtracks, retro-cyberpunk, Anglo-Japanese culture clash and Rina’s own sense of offline anxiety. Produced by Clarence Clarity and Hoost, the release cemented Rina’s cult status as one of the most exciting new artists to watch in 2018.

Swedish sensation Ängie releases ‘Dope’ video

Swedish star Ängie has released the video for her brand new single ‘Dope’. The new song is the lead single to be taken from her debut album Suicidal Since 1995 out on April 6th through Universal.

Paddy Hanna shares new single ‘Ida’

Paddy Hanna is set to release his new album Frankly I mutate on March 2nd. Paddy’s career to date has not been conventional. A cult figure in the Dublin music scene, he has released numerous critically acclaimed singles and one prior album, before retreating inwards. But now an album bursting full of Hanna’s morose charm and sardonic wit. Poetically, the studio where the album was recorded, Bow Lane, was knocked down a month after the album’s completion. Job done in timely fashion.

WESTERMAN explores the difficulties of infinite choice in new single Confirmation

After the wistful ambience of his Call And Response EP, a record steeped in leftfield antecedents like Nick Drake, David Byrne and Arthur Russell, Westerman’s latest single ‘Confirmation’ emerges after a momentary spell of deliberation for the West London artist.

Rat Boy Shares New Video for Knock Knock Pt.II

After dropping the new seven-track release ‘CIVIL DISORDER’ and packing the O2 Academy Brixton at the weekend, RAT BOY today shares a new video for ‘KNOCK KNOCK PT. II’.

The video for ‘KNOCK KNOCK PT. II’ combines incendiary rehearsal clips mixed with RAT BOY and his band speeding around town in a battered Volvo that’s been customised with ‘SCUM’ branded graffiti.

AURELIA releases wistful sophomore single ‘CHEST’

Grammy Award nominated singer/songwriter Aurelia steps forward with her sophomore release, the coquettishly masterful ‘Chest’.

Since the release of her critically acclaimed debut, the demo (sans instruments) of her track ‘Are We Losing’, Aurelia has been locked in the studio circling in on a soundscape she says she been looking for to express the feelings trapped in her songs. ‘Chest’ will be the first of the offerings from this aural endeavour, and an offering of sumptuous indie-pop it is.

video: BLAKFACE, “HEROIN”

When asked about the inspiration behind their release, they said, “The song is about the war on drugs in America and how it’s not only affecting our community but how it directly effects our family. One day Eclectic came by the studio and before he played me the beat, Eclectic told me he was watching a movie called Sugar Hill and in a particular scene they show the main actors father dying of a drug overdose so he wanted to make something to match, as if we were redoing the score of the movie. So we just built on that scenario, put into words and try to give people an understanding of our reality.”

Legendary Rockers ZEBRA Sell Out West Coast Dates

30 years in the making, legendary rock band ZEBRA played to capacity crowds at both The World Famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood CA and Count’s Vamp’d in Las Vegas, performing their debut album IN ITS ENTIRETY, plus classics, fan favorites, and an unforgettable set of Led Zeppelin! The band played for over 2 hours giving long time West Coast fans–who have waited 30 years to see them–MORE than their money’s worth.

SAWEETIE INKS MAJOR LABEL DEAL WITH WARNER BROS. RECORDS

“You know you have something special when an artist immediately connects in the way SAWEETIE has,” said Tom Corson, COO & Co-Chairman, Warner Bros. Records. “SAWEETIE’s empowering lyrics, street-smart sensibilities and flawless delivery have perfectly collided to make ‘ICY GIRL’ a viral sensation and SAWEETIE an artist to champion. Huge thanks to our partner Max Gousse and Warner’s own Eesean Bolden for bringing SAWEETIE to us. We’re thrilled to help bring her unique talent to the masses.”

Femi Kuti shares “Na Their Way Be That” off new LP out 2/23

Today Femi Kuti, son of legendary Fela Kuti and the heart and soul of modern Afrobeat, releases the second track “Na Their Way Be That” off his forthcoming album One People One World out February 23rd on Knitting Factory Records.

New Inklings Video ‘Single Life’ Is Here To Fix Your Doomed Love Life

Do you feel trapped by Valentine’s Day? Are you sleeping alone tonight? Are you waiting for your lost love to call?

INKLINGS’ explore the darker side of dating at singlelife.online, a quiz that might have the answers for you. Taken over 1000 times already, it could be what you need this year.

The quiz accompanies the band’s melancholic new ode to Valentine’s – ‘Single Life’. Watch the video here:

Pnau’s ‘Go Bang’ Goes Platinum in Australia

This month has brought nothing but milestone accomplishments for dance floor global hit “Go Bang” by Pnau. The single just went Platinum in Australia, topping the charts on streaming platforms in the country. In addition to being dubbed a BPM Breaker and joining the fan favorite Mint playlist on Spotify, the track has also been voted #7 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 national music poll out of over 2.86 million votes. What’s more, the tune shot up into the Top 10 on iTunes and Spotify.

GOLDMUND ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM OCCASUS, SHARES “CIRCLE”

Pennsylvania native Keith Kenniff’s output as Goldmund has established him as one of the preeminent composers of minimal piano ­based ambient music alongside peers like Hauschka, Dustin O’Halloran, and even Ryuichi Sakamoto, a Kenniff collaborator who once described Kenniff’s work as “so, so, so beautiful”.

RHYE Release New Music Video for “Song For You”

RHYE today surprised fans with the Valentine’s Day release of a music video for track “Song For You”, off their critically acclaimed new album BLOOD. Directed and produced by RHYE frontman Milosh and Geneviève Medow Jenkins, the stunning clip stars Nathalie Kelley alongside Christopher Brochu.

New Video: Eminem “River” Featuring Ed Sheeran!

Check out the new video for Eminem’s “River” featuring Ed Sheeran, out now! Directed by: Emil Nava.